We at ihaveanidea reached out our creative director friends around the globe and asked them to reflect on what it was like to first make that transition from creative in the trenches to the "big boss."

What we got back was a truly inspirational collection of essays by 25 CDs.

Kash Sree

Chris Staples

"Three things worked in my favour: I was enthusiastic; I was articulate; and I
could sell the most crappy ad to the most jaded client."

Luke Sullivan

Senior VP/Managing Group Creative Director
GSD&M

"Soldiers do not charge machine-gun nests for generals they do not love."

Tay Guan Hin

Regional Executive Creative Director
JWT Asia

"When I was first promoted to creative director, I initially felt empowered. 'Hey!
Look at me! I'm a CD! Everyone will have to listen to me!'"

Noel Yeo

Digital Creative Director
BBH Asia Pacific

"When I made creative director, my first feeling immediately after elation, fear,
paranoia and nausea, was relief. I would no longer be judged on a skill thatʼs only
a fraction of what I wanted to do."